It was with great disappointment that I had missed last year’s edition of Rock The South, so when offered to review the day’s acts for Sunday, the last and heaviest day of the four-day billing, I jumped at the opportunity. I jumped with such eagerness, in fact, that I also joined the revelry on Saturday and danced the wee hours away to DJ I.YOU’s tunes in the Silent Disco. I also met someone really quite nice, but more on that later.

I arrived slightly late, missing openers Bila, who did not have a very large audience given that attendees were still nursing hangovers, but were well-received just the same, I am given to understand.

Mikaela performed her intense set of rock and metal classic covers on piano, alone, singing along, in a show of technical dexterity and range of voice that was impressive. Her time slot wasn’t very favourable, as an after-dark appearance would have done wonders for her songs, which were not your light and breezy garden variety. However, the audience was receptive and her delivery flawless, so kudos in that regard.

Dripht were up next and and, you know you’re up for a good deal when your editor interrupts you mid-sentence to say, “I’m off to dance to these guys.” the band didn’t disappoint, providing the eagerly assembled with a healthy dosage of their politically-fired, yet friendly and approachable ska punk. Buckets of fun, and some serious musicianship by the quartet, notably bassist Samwel Grima, whose mastery of the bass is a joy to watch regardless of which band he’s plucking the strings for.

Drums and bass guitar instrumental duo Krishna were highly expected by the audience. I had heard some bootleg style recordings of their material and wasn’t impressed.

My impression has changed somewhat, though I’m still not a fan of endless minutes of repetition of the same two notes. Commendably, the duo did explore some pretty interesting soundscapes and the audience lapped it up.

I don’t think Krishna is aimed to be a live-show centred act and, in fairness, I don’t understand this genre very much so I’ll leave it at that; I’m not sure I understood.

BNI: Photo: Sarah Falzon

Pop punk trio BNI have the highest of pedigrees in their genre and they yet again showed why. Going the polished, friendly punk route instead of the more caustic sound typically associated with the genre, BNI delivered their much-loved classics effortlessly and without a hitch, to rapturous reception.

Tearing through their set and whipping the crowd up in a frenzy with a combo of their own classics and cover versions they’ve played for so long, they’ve also become classics, BNI showed everyone what a good time should look like, specifically, a friendly mosh pit awash with beer and smiles.

Given the somewhat political lineup of acts tonight, Norm Rejection were certainly not an odd choice at all. Serious musicianship is behind this band, with guitar virtuoso Sean Vukovic as dependable as ever and bass player Rex being the solid mainstay of the band as expected.

Kudos to drummer Michael Briguglio, who pulled double shift after having played with Dripht as well. The sound did, perhaps, not do them justice, however, Norm Rejection again demonstrated that as a band, they are as able as ever.

Given the referendum result of the day, Kemm hawn dwejjaq fil-pajjiż proved to be a suitable soundtrack

Given the spring hunting referendum result of the day, Kemm hawn dwejjaq fil-pajjiż proved to be a most suitable soundtrack too.

RAS followed next; I’m sure the band is very competent in their genre, punk of the more caustic style, however, if I’m honest I’ve never really been into this style, nor understood it much, so any opinion of mine is superfluous.

The crowd lapped it up in spadefuls though, so they were certainly a most logical and fitting choice. And you have to admire guitarist Baħri’s resolve to the cause; the man has been playing for the best past of three decades at least.

French nationals Temps Mort took to the stage with admirable gusto and energy. Stylistically-speaking perhaps the heaviest band on the bill, the quartet did not disappoint and the crowd was appreciative. I’m sure that a return visit next year would see them reign even more triumphant.

Impressive drumming, that’s for sure, and bucketfuls of energy poured into their live show. Singer Nico is a great frontman too, whipping the crowd back and forth. Good band, a pleasure to watch.

The Zatopeks, more punk, this time with loads of attitude and with good reason, because this UK bunch is a well-polished, super tight unit.

Tonnes of humour and banter, the perfect companion to that beer you can’t quite remember which number it is. And, given that their set featured, by their own admission, “atheist songs about Albert Camus”…what cause for complaint could there be?

And with that, I had to go and get some rest, in preparation for what is sure to be a tough week.

Which reminds me; I met someone at Rock The South on Saturday. Super cute girl, damn funny and a smile to melt hearts, or conquer nations. I hope I won’t have to wait till next year to see her again.